"Nolan, I love you, I really do," Regina whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
Nolan, heart aching, pulled Regina into a tight embrace. "It's my fault. I should have been faster. I've never blamed you for anything. Just seeing your smile is enough for me. If you'll let me, just being by your side is all I ask for. I don't need declarations of love. I know your family has been a burden on you. I've seen it all."
The bodyguards who followed them in were taken aback by the sight of their boss, tears streaming down his face, and shuffled awkwardly.
But the priority was to get Regina checked at the hospital, considering she'd been bound and tied up for so long, which might have caused some circulation issues. They didn't want her to end up with numb limbs.
Eventually, one particularly brave bodyguard stepped forward to suggest this to Nolan.
With a heavy heart, Nolan wiped away his tears, determined to handle it himself.
He lifted Regina with such care, as if she were made of glass, and took her to the hospital.
Thankfully, after the medical check-up, it was clear Regina was mostly suffering from emotional exhaustion and a bit of a chill from being in a damp place for too long.
Nolan stayed by her side, holding her hand so he'd know the moment she woke up.
Regina woke up in the middle of the night and saw Nolan sleeping soundly by her bedside. She didn't move, cherishing the moment.
But Nolan soon woke up, overjoyed to see Regina awake. He immediately rang for the nurse to check on her.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Kiss that Sparked it All